Interacción cardiorrenal y evolución de la insuficiencia cardiaca. ¿Tiene un papel la proteína de unión del factor de crecimiento de tipo insulina 2?

Introduction and objectivesPreliminary results suggest that high circulating insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) levels are associated with mortality risk in heart failure (HF) patients. As IGFBP2 levels are increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is associated with a higher mortality risk in HF patients, we examined whether IGFBP2 is associated with CKD in HF patients, and whether CKD modifies the prognostic value of this protein in HF patients.MethodsHF patients (n = 686, mean age 66.6 years, 32.7% women) were enrolled and followed up for a median of 3.5 (min-max range: 0.1-6) years. Patients were classified as having CKD with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) or as having CKD with nondecreased eGFR (≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m²). Serum IGFBP2 was detected by ELISA.ResultsIGFBP2 was increased (P < .001) in CKD patients with decreased eGFR (n = 290, 42.3%) compared with patients with nondecreased eGFR. IGFBP2 was directly associated with NT-proBNP (P < .001) and inversely associated with eGFR (P < .001), with both associations being independent of confounding factors. IGFBP2 was directly and independently associated with cardiovascular and all-cause death (P < .001) in the whole group of patients, but showed a stronger association with cardiovascular death in CKD patients with decreased eGFR (P for interaction < .05), improving risk prediction in these patients over clinically relevant risk factors.ConclusionsSerum IGFBP2 is associated with impaired renal function and prognosticates cardiovascular death in patients with HF and CKD with decreased eGFR. Thus, there is an effect modification of CKD on circulating IGFBP2 and on its association with cardiovascular mortality in HF patients.     

An integrated multiple marker modality is superior to NT-proBNP alone in prognostic prediction in all-cause mortality in a prospective cohort of elderly heart failure patients

BackgroundIdentifying the individual mortality risk for elderly heart failure (HF) patients is challenging because of heterogeneity, comorbidity and higher age. To overcome this, an integrated multiple marker modality has been proposed for better prognostic prediction than a single variable, this has not been evaluated.AimThe aim of this study is to identify whether a multiple marker modality is better than N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) alone for all-cause mortality in elderly HF patients.MethodsA prospective cohort of 361 patients (65 ± 15 years) referred for echocardiography because of suspected HF was studied, among them, 179 had HF (71 ± 13). In this cohort blood sampling, electrocardiogram and clinical examinations were performed within approximately 24 hours after the echocardiography. To assess prognostic value of multiple marker modality for all-cause mortality, patients were followed up for 24 ± 7 months.ResultsIn the three multivariate analyses, NT-proBNP, cystatin C, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), pulmonary artery pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min, anemia, diuretics and sinus rhythm are prognostic predictors of all-cause mortality in elderly HF patients. When analyzing all these variables in one multivariate analysis, only NT-proBNP, eGFR less than 60 mL/min, anemia and diuretics are prognostic predictors of all-cause mortality in elderly HF patients. Two different multiple marker models incorporating NT-proBNP, clinical and laboratory variables were created. The sensitivity and specificity of the two different multiple marker modalities are higher than for NT-proBNP alone. The risk score based on multivariate analysis Wald X² values is preferred considering its simplicity and feasibility in daily clinical practice.ConclusionA multiple marker modality was proven to improve prognostic prediction in elderly HF patients compared to NT-proBNP alone.     

Insuficiencia cardiaca de novo tras un síndrome coronario agudo en pacientes sin insuficiencia cardiaca ni disfunción ventricular izquierda

Introduction and objectivesCoronary heart disease is the leading cause of heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to assess the risk of readmission for HF in patients with acute coronary syndrome without previous HF or left ventricular dysfunction.MethodsProspective study of consecutive patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome in 2 institutions. Risk factors for HF were analyzed by competing risk regression, taking all-cause mortality as a competing event.ResultsWe included 5962 patients and 567 (9.5%) experienced at least 1 hospital readmission for acute HF. Median follow-up was 63 months and median time to HF readmission was 27.1 months. The cumulative incidence of HF was higher than mortality in the first 7 years after hospital discharge. A higher risk of HF readmission was associated with age, diabetes, previous coronary heart disease, GRACE score > 140, peripheral arterial disease, renal dysfunction, hypertension and atrial fibrillation; a lower risk was associated with optimal medical treatment. The incidence of HF in the first year of follow-up was 2.73% and no protective variables were found. A simple HF risk score predicted HF readmissions risk.ConclusionsOne out of 10 patients discharged after an acute coronary syndrome without previous HF or left ventricular dysfunction had new-onset HF and the risk was higher than the risk of mortality. A simple clinical score can estimate individual risk of HF readmission even in patients without previous HF or left ventricular dysfunction.     

Necesidad de una ecocardiografía transtorácica en pacientes con tromboembolia de pulmón de riesgo bajo: revisión sistemática y metanálisis

IntroductionIt is unclear whether low-risk patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) should undergo echocardiogram.MethodsWe performed a meta-analysis of studies that enrolled patients with acute low-risk PE to assess the prognostic value of echocardiographic diagnosis of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction for the primary outcome of short-term all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome of short-term PE-related mortality. We used a random-effects model to pool study results, a Begg rank correlation method to evaluate for publication bias, and I² testing to assess heterogeneity.ResultsThe meta-analysis included a total of 11 studies 1,868 patients with low-risk PE. Ten of the 447 (2.2%; 1.1%-4.1%) low-risk patients with echocardiographic RV dysfunction died soon after the diagnosis of PE compared with 10 of 1,421 (0.7%; 0.3-1.3%) patients without RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction was not significantly associated with short-term all-cause mortality (odds ratio 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-5.1, p = .14; I² = 8%). RV dysfunction was significantly associated with short-term PE-related mortality (odds ratio 5.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-16, p < .01; I² = 0%).ConclusionsIn patients with low-risk PE, echocardiographic RV dysfunction is not associated with all-cause mortality, but identifies patients with an increased risk for short-term PE-related mortality.     

Spectrum of renal dysfunction after curative parathyroidectomy in symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism

ObjectiveThe long-term renal consequences of curative parathyroidectomy (PTX) in symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (sPHPT) are not well characterized. We aimed to assess renal glomerular and tubular functions in an sPHPT cohort at ≥ 1 year's follow-up.DesignRetrospective-prospective study.MethodssPHPT patients with preoperative eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m² and in remission (normocalcemic) for ≥ 1 year after PTX underwent clinical and biochemical assessment (calcium profile, renal parameters). Ammonium chloride and bicarbonate loading tests were performed in patients with renal tubular dysfunction (RTD).ResultsForty-eight patients (31 females) with median plasma PTH 1,029 (338–1604) pg/mL and mean eGFR 109.2 ± 26.0 mL/min/1.73m² at diagnosis were evaluated at 5.62 ± 3.66 years after curative PTX. At follow-up, eGFR was < 60 mL/min/m² in 5 patients (10.4%). Patients with > 10% drop in eGFR (n = 31) had significantly higher pre-PTX plasma PTH (1,137 vs. 687 pg/mL), and longer time to post-PTX evaluation (6.8 vs. 3.4 years). RTD was seen in 11 patients (22.9%): urinary low molecular weight proteinuria (14.6%), distal renal tubular acidosis (12.5%), hypophosphatemia (8.3%), and hypokalemia (8.3%); RTD was associated with significantly lower post-PTX eGFR (72.7 vs. 95.4 mL/min/m²). Five of the 7 RTD patients undergoing loading test had impaired urinary acidification, whereas none had impaired bicarbonate resorption.ConclusionsReduction in eGFR and subclinical RTD were prevalent at long-term follow-up in the present Asian-Indian cohort with cured sPHPT. Further studies are warranted to understand the clinical implications of these various renal abnormalities.     

Renal function and attributable risk of death and cardiovascular hospitalization in participants with diabetes from a registry-based cohort

AimsTo estimate the attributable risk of renal function on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization in patients with diabetes.MethodsA prospective cohort study in 19,469 adults with diabetes, free of cardiovascular disease, attending primary care in Spain (2008–2011). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and other variables were collected and patients were followed to the first hospitalization for coronary or stroke event, or death, until the end of 2012. The cumulative incidence of the study endpoints by eGFR categories was graphically displayed and adjusted population attributable risks (PARs) for low eGFR was calculated.ResultsMean follow-up was 3.2 years and 506 deaths and 1720 hospitalizations were recorded. The cumulative risk for the individual events increased as eGFR levels decreased. The PAR associated with having an eGFR of 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or less was 11.4% (95% CI 4.8–18.3) for all-cause mortality, 9.2% (95% CI 5.3–13.4) for coronary heart disease, and 2.6% (95% CI ?1.8 to 7.4) for stroke.ConclusionsReduced eGFR levels were associated with a larger proportion of avoidable deaths and cardiovascular hospitalizations in people with diabetes compared to previously reported results in people with other cardiovascular risk factors.     

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With New-Onset Persistent Left Bundle Branch Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BackgroundThe impact of new-onset persistent left bundle branch block (LBBB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on all-cause mortality has been controversial.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of eleven studies (7398 patients) comparing the short- and long- outcomes in patients who had new-onset LBBB after TAVR vs. those who did not.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 20.5 ± 14 months, patients who had new-onset persistent LBBB after TAVR had a higher incidence of all-cause mortality (29.7% vs. 23.6%; OR 1.28 (1.04–1.58), p = 0.02), rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) (19.5% vs. 17.3%; OR 1.4 (1.13–1.73), p = 0.002), and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMi) (19.7% vs. 7.1%; OR 2.4 (1.64–3.52), p < 0.001) compared with those who did not. Five studies (4180 patients) reported adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality; new LBBB remained associated with a higher risk of mortality (adjusted HR 1.43 (1.08–1.9), p < 0.01, I² = 81%).ConclusionPost-TAVR persistent LBBB is associated with higher PPMi, HF hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality. While efforts to identify patients who need post-procedural PPMi are warranted, more studies are required to evaluate the best follow-up and treatment strategies, including the type of pacing device if required, to improve long-term outcomes in these patients.     

Systolic blood pressure as a predictor of incident albuminuria and rapid renal function decline in type 2 diabetic patients

AimsAlbuminuria and a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are known risk factors of poor cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients. We here aimed to investigate the determinants of incident albuminuria and rapid progression of renal dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsType 2 diabetic outpatients (n = 215) with a mean baseline eGFR of 87 ± 20 mL min^− 1 1.73 m^− 2 were followed for 12 months. Urinary albuminuria was defined according to the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR).ResultsAmong 132 patients with normoalbuminuria at baseline, 20 (15.2%) progressed to a more advanced stage of albuminuria within 1 year, and 20.5% of the 215 patients experienced a rapid decline in eGFR (eGFR reduction > 5 mL min^− 1 1.73 m^− 2 year^− 1). After adjusting for potential confounders, both baseline UACR and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were found to be significant independent factors for incident albuminuria and a rapid decline of eGFR in separate models. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, systolic blood pressures of 132 and 138 mmHg were found to predict incident albuminuria and a rapid decline of eGFR, respectively.ConclusionsIn addition to baseline UACR, SBP is one of the most powerful modifiable independent risk factors for incident albuminuria and a rapid renal function decline in type 2 diabetic patients without symptomatic cardiovascular disease.     

Impact of contrast-induced acute kidney injury on outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify predictors of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and the effect of CI-AKI on cardiovascular outcomes after hospital discharge in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods and MaterialsWe retrospectively reviewed 194 STEMI consecutive patients who underwent primary PCI to evaluate the predictors for CI-AKI and 187 survivors to examine all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Outcomes were compared between patients with CI-AKI and those without CI-AKI, which was defined as an increase > 50% or > 0.5 mg/dl in serum creatinine concentration within 48 hours after primary PCI.ResultsCI-AKI occurred in 23 patients (11.9%). Multivariate analysis identified pre-procedural renal insufficiency as a predictor of CI-AKI, and this predictor was independent from hemodynamic instability and excessive contrast volume. Receiver-operator characteristics analysis demonstrated that patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≤ 43.6 ml/min per 1.73 m² had the potential for CI-AKI. Patients who developed CI-AKI had higher mortality and cardiovascular events than did those without CI-AKI (27.8% vs. 4.7%; log-rank P = .0003, 27.8% vs. 11.2%; log-rank P = .0181, respectively). Cox proportional hazards model analysis identified CI-AKI as the independent predictor of mortality and cardiovascular events [hazard ratio [HR] = 5.36; P = .0076, HR = 3.10; P = .0250, respectively].ConclusionsThe risk of CI-AKI is increased in patients with pre-procedural renal insufficiency, and eGFR is clinically useful in the emergent setting for CI-AKI risk stratification before primary PCI.     

Bed-side inferior vena cava diameter and mean arterial pressure predict long-term mortality in hospitalized patients with heart failure: 36 months of follow-up

BackgroundIn discharged patients with heart failure (HF), diverse conditions can intervene to worsen outcome. We would investigate whether such factors present on hospital admission can affect long-term mortality in subjects hospitalized for acute HF.MethodsOne hundred twenty-three consecutive patients hospitalized for acute HF (mean age 74.8 years; 57% female) were recruited and followed for 36 months after hospitalization.ResultsAt multivariate Cox model, only inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and mean arterial pressure (MAP) registered bed-side on admission, resulted, after correction for all confounders factors, the sole factors significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in long-term (HR 1.06, p = 0.0057; HR 0.97, p = 0.0218; respectively). Study population was subdivided according to median values of IVC diameter (23 mm) and MAP (93.3 mm Hg). The Kaplan–Meier curve showed that HF patients with both IVC ≥ 23 mm and MAP < 93.3 mm Hg on admission had reduced probability of survival free from all-cause death (log rank p = 0.0070 and log rank p = 0.0028, respectively).ConclusionsIn patients hospitalized for acute HF, IVC diameter, measured by hand-carried ultrasound (HCU), and MAP detected on admission are strong predictors of long-term all-cause mortality. The data suggest the need for a careful clinical-therapeutic surveillance on these patients during the post-discharge period. IVC diameter and MAP can be utilized as parameters to stratify prognosis on admission and to be supervised during follow-up.     

Concomitant renal and hepatic dysfunctions in chronic heart failure: Clinical implications and prognostic significance

BackgroundThe cardio-renal syndrome is common and eGFR is an established biomarker in chronic heart failure (CHF). Recent findings also indicate a predictive role of liver function abnormalities such as GGT in CHF. We aimed to jointly investigate the characteristics and importance of renal and hepatic failure in CHF.MethodsClinical and laboratory parameters of 1290 ambulatory patients (NYHA class I 25%, II 47%, III/IV 27%; median LV-EF 29%) were evaluated. Hemodynamics was available in 253 patients. The endpoint was defined as death from any cause or heart transplantation.ResultseGFR < 60 mL/min and GGT elevations were highly prevalent (25% and 44%, respectively; 12.8% for both). Renal and hepatic dysfunctions were correlated with disease severity and independently associated with adverse outcome in univariate (p < 0.001) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Signs of congestion and elevated CVP but not CI were independent predictors of changes in eGFR and GGT. In patients with concurrent impairment of both organs estimated five-year event rate was 46% as compared to 25% in patients with eGFR and GGT in the normal ranges (HR 3.12, 95% CI 2.33–4.18; p < 0.001).ConclusionsImpairment of renal and hepatic function is related to functional status and a poor prognosis in patients with mild to moderate heart failure. Concurrent involvement of both organs indicates disease progression and further elevates the hazard for adverse outcomes. Moreover, our data suggest that venous congestion rather than forward failure accounts for the development of renal and hepatic dysfunctions in these patients.     

Efecto pronóstico diferencial de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en mujeres y varones con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección conservada

Introduction and objectivesType 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a common comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Previous studies have shown that diabetic women are at higher risk of developing HF than men. However, the long-term prognosis of diabetic HFpEF patients by sex has not been extensively explored. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the differential impact of DM2 on all-cause mortality in men vs women with HFpEF after admission for acute HF.MethodsWe prospectively included 1019 consecutive HFpEF patients discharged after admission for acute HF in a single tertiary referral hospital. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the interaction between sex and DM2 regarding the risk of long-term all-cause mortality. Risk estimates were calculated as hazard ratios (HR).ResultsThe mean age of the cohort was 75.6 ± 9.5 years and 609 (59.8%) were women. The proportion of DM2 was similar between sexes (45.1% vs 49.1%, P = .211). At a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 3.6 (1-4-6.8) years, 646 (63.4%) patients died. After adjustment for risk factors, comorbidities, biomarkers, echo parameters and treatment at discharge, multivariate analysis showed a differential prognostic effect of DM2 (P value for interaction = .007). DM2 was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in women (HR, 1.77; 95%CI, 1.41-2.21; P < .001) but not in men (HR, 1.23; 95%CI, 0.94-1.61; P = .127).ConclusionsAfter an episode of acute HF in HFpEF patients, DM2 confers a higher risk of mortality in women. Further studies evaluating the impact of DM2 in women with HFpEF are warranted.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Trayectoria precoz del sodio urinario y riesgo de eventos adversos en insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y disfunción renal

Introduction and objectivesUrinary sodium (UNa⁺) has emerged as a useful biomarker of poor clinical outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF). Here, we sought to evaluate: a) the usefulness of a single early determination of UNa⁺ for predicting adverse outcomes in patients with AHF and renal dysfunction, and b) whether the change in UNa⁺ at 24 hours (ΔUNa24 h) adds any additional prognostic information over baseline values.MethodsThis is a post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, open-label, randomized clinical trial (IMPROVE-HF) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02643147) that randomized 160 patients with AHF and renal dysfunction on admission to a) the standard diuretic strategy, or b) a carbohydrate antigen 125-guided diuretic strategy. The primary end point was all-cause mortality and total all-cause readmissions.ResultsThe mean age was 78 ± 8 years, and the mean glomerular filtration rate was 34.0 ± 8.5 mL/min/1.73 m². The median UNa⁺ was 90 (65-111) mmol/L. At a median follow-up of 1.73 years [interquartile range, 0.48-2.35], 83 deaths (51.9%) were registered, as well as 263 all-cause readmissions in 110 patients. UNa⁺ was independently associated with mortality (HR, 0.75; 95%CI, 0.65-0.87; P < .001) and all-cause readmissions (HR, 0.92; 95%CI, 0.88-0.96; P < .001). The prognostic usefulness of the ΔUNa24 h varied according to UNa⁺ at admission (P for interaction < .05). The ΔUNa24 h was inversely associated with both end points only in the group with UNa⁺ ≤ 50 mmol/L. Conversely, no effect was found in the group with UNa⁺ > 50 mmol/L.ConclusionsIn patients with AHF and renal dysfunction, a single early determination of UNa⁺ ≤ 50 mmol/L identifies patients with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and readmission. The ΔUNa24 h adds prognostic information over baseline values only when UNa⁺ at admission is ≤ 50 mmol/L.     

Impact of prealbumin on mortality and hospital readmission in patients with acute heart failure

BackgroundPrealbumin is a maker of nutritional status and inflammation of potential prognostic value in acute heart failure (HF). The aim of this study is to evaluate if low prealbumin levels on admission predict mortality and readmissions in patients with acute HF.MethodWe conducted a prospective observational cohort study including 442 patients hospitalized for acute HF. Patients were classified in two groups according to prealbumin levels: “normal” prealbumin (> 15 mg) and “low” prealbumin (≤ 15 mg/dL). End-points were mortality and readmissions (all-cause and HF-related) and the combined end-point of mortality/readmission at 180 days.ResultsOut of 442 patients, 159 (36%) had low and 283 (64%) had normal prealbumin levels Mean age was 79.6 (73.9–84.2, p = 0,405) years and 183 (41%, p = 0,482) were males. After a median 180 days of follow-up, 108 (24%, p = 0,021) patients died and 170 (38%, p = 0,067) were readmitted. Mortality was higher in the low prealbumin group. The combined end-point was more frequent in the low prealbumin group (57% vs. 50%, p = 0.199). In the multivariate analysis the following variables were associated with mortality or readmission: older age, exacerbated chronic HF, higher comorbidity, low systolic blood pressure and hemoglobin values and higher pro brain natriuretic peptide levels.ConclusionsLow prealbumin is common (36%) in patients with acute heart failure and it is associated with a higher short-term mortality.     

Renal Function in Outpatients With Chronic Heart Failure

BackgroundImpaired renal function confers an adverse prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). The aims of the present study were to identify factors associated with and predictive of impaired renal function and to assess the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and all-cause mortality in outpatients with HF.Methods and ResultsBaseline data on 3605 patients (median age 73 years, 70.1% men) from 24 outpatient HF clinics in Norway were analyzed. Median follow-up time was 9 months. Renal dysfunction (eGFR < 60 mL/min) was present in 44.9%. The population was randomized into equal-sized model-building and validation samples to enhance model stability. eGFR was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR 0.94 per 5 mL/min increase, P = .001). Use of spironolactone (P = .002), higher blood pressure (P < .001), and lower hemoglobin levels (P = .002) were predictors of impaired renal function. Increasing doses of loop diuretics were strongly associated with eGFR at baseline (P < .001), but only tended to predict worsening renal function during follow-up (P = .08).ConclusionsClinically significant reduction in renal function was prevalent in outpatients with HF, and was a strong predictor of all-cause mortality. Use of loop diuretics and spironolactone should be carefully evaluated as these agents may adversely affect renal function.     

Utilidade do doseamento do peptídeo natriurético tipo B em doentes ambulatórios com insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada

IntroductionHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is a highly prevalent syndrome that is difficult to diagnose in outpatients. The measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may be useful in the diagnosis of HFPEF, but with a different cutoff from that used in the emergency room. The aim of this study was to identify the BNP cutoff for a diagnosis of HFPEF in outpatients.Methods and ResultsThis prospective, observational study enrolled 161 outpatients (aged 68.1 ± 11.5 years, 72% female) with suspected HFPEF. Patients underwent ECG, tissue Doppler imaging, and plasma BNP measurement, and were classified in accordance with algorithms for the diagnosis of HFPEF. HFPEF was confirmed in 49 patients, who presented higher BNP values (mean 144.4 pg/ml, median 113 pg/ml, vs. mean 27.6 pg/ml, median 16.7 pg/ml, p < 0.0001). The results showed a significant correlation between BNP levels and left atrial volume index (r=0.554, p < 0.0001), age (r = 0.452; p < 0.0001) and E/E′ ratio (r = 0.345, p < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve for BNP to detect HFPEF was 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.87-0.96; p < 0.001), and 51 pg/ml was identified as the best cutoff to detect HFPEF, with sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 86% and accuracy of 86%.ConclusionsBNP levels in outpatients with HFPEF are significantly higher than in those without. A cutoff value of 51 pg/ml had the best diagnostic accuracy in outpatients.     

Volumen renal total y función renal en pacientes nefrectomizados por neoplasias renales

IntroductionThe reduction of renal mass after radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal neoplasm, could be associated with compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney. The capacity of compensation will determine the renal function (RF) evolution. Measuring of total renal volume (TRV) of the remaining kidney pre and post RN can help assess the RF evolution.ObjectivesTo determine the correlation between TRV pre and post nephrectomy (a year of follow-up) with RF.Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out in 47 patients who had undergone RN from 2014 to 2018, due to renal cell carcinoma (confirmed by histopathology).The TRV was calculated, pre and post (a year of follow-up) RN, using ellipsoid formula equation, which were compared with clinical and analytical data. The results were analyzed by multivariate linear logistic models.ResultsThe median age at the time of RN was 70 years old (range, 40-88 years). Most of them were men, 66%. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) pre and post nephrectomy was 78 (40-100) and 53.3 ml/min/ m² (30-90) respectively (P = .01). The TRV pre and post-nephrectomy was 168.2 ml (100.4-257.2) and 187.8 ml (115.5-273.1) respectively (P = .001).The pre-nephrectomy eGFR (β = 0.62; P = .034) and the TRV (β = 1.08; P < .0001) were positively correlated with the post-nephrectomy TRV, while the eGFR at year of follow-up was correlated negatively (β = –1.18; P = .047)ConclusionsThe measurement of pre and post nephrectomy TRV can help to predict renal function evolution at a year of follow-up.     

Endostatin in chronic kidney disease: Associations with inflammation,vascular abnormalities,cardiovascular events and survival

Background and aimsEndostatin, generated from collagen XVIII, and endorepellin, possess dual activity as modifiers of both angiogenesis and endothelial cell autophagy. Plasma endostatin levels are elevated in a large number of diseases, and may reflect endothelial cell dysfunction. Few data on endostatins are available for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We tested whether serum endostatin values are predictive for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in a CKD population.Materials and methodA total of 519 CKD pre-dialysis patients were included. Baseline plasma endostatin levels were measured in all patients. All included patients were followed-up (time-to-event analysis) until occurrence of death, fatal or nonfatal CVEs. Fatal and nonfatal CVE including death, stroke, and myocardial infarction were recorded prospectivelyResultsThe mean age of the patients was 52.2 ± 12.3 years. There were 241 (46.4%) males, 111 (21.4%) had diabetes, 229 (44.1%) were smokers and 103 (19.8%) had a previous CVE. After a median follow-up of 46 months, 46 patients died and 172 had a new CVE. In the univariable Cox survival analysis, higher endostatin levels were associated with a higher risk for both outcomes. However, after adjusting for traditional (age, gender, smoking status, diabetes, systolic blood pressure, HDL and total cholesterol) and renal-specific (eGFR, proteinuria and hsCRP) risk factors, endostatin levels remained associated only with the CVE outcome (HR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.37–2.41 for a 1 SD increase in log endostatin values).ConclusionEndostatin levels are independently associated with incident CVE in CKD patients, but show limited prediction abilities for all-cause mortality and CVE above traditional and renal-specific risk factors.